SC gives telcos 10 yrs to pay AGR dues, says 10% to be paid upfront

Apex court asks firms for undertaking on AGR dues. Payment timeline begins April 1 next year, but first installment to be paid before March 31; defaults to attract penalty, contempt proceedings

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed telecom companies to clear their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues in 10 years, ending an extended industry-versus-government  dispute on the matter. A Bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, who’s due to retire on September 2, directed telcos to give an undertaking that they would pay the AGR dues in compliance with the order.

While the operators will have to make a 10 per cent upfront payment by March 31, 2021, the instalments will begin from April 1, 2021. Any default in payment will invite interest, penalty and contempt of court.

Telecom companies are expected